Ethnic Rhinoplasty in Ann Arbor and Jackson Michigan

What is Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

Ethnic rhinoplasty surgery, or nasal reshaping, is a common procedure that reduces, sharpens, or augments the shape of the nose.The term “ethnic” is a very broad term applied to many different ethnicities. Common backgrounds encountered are people of Indian, Middle Eastern, African, or South American descent. Patients of these backgrounds are often used to seeing noses similarly structured to theirs; however, they would like to sharpen and refine their appearance while still looking consistent with their ethnicity.

While no two noses are alike, it is important that the shape of your nose blends well with your other features. Nasal shape does not have to be specific to your ethnic background, but they should be compatible with your other facial features. Some patients may have strong cheek bones or a weak chin. Taking these facial features into account, your surgeon can make subtle variations in the amount the nose projects from the face, i.e. the tip projection. Dr. Pramit Malhotra can help you determine what changes to your nose will look best with your features. Additionally, patients can computer image their own nose at www.facetouchup.com.

Who can benefit from this type of surgery?

For years, rhinoplasties were performed primarily on Caucasian patients who had a humped bridge and poorly defined nasal tip. However, as the popularity of this procedure has grown, many people with diverse backgrounds have sought a rhinoplasty surgeon. These patients often present unique anatomical challenges for surgeons accustomed to working on patients with Anglo-Saxon heritage. Your surgeon should understand the differences your background will impart on the surgical outcome. Some patients, such as those with Middle Eastern heritage, are usually anatomically similar to people with European heritage; however, they often have very large humps and large nasal tip cartilages. In patients of African or Asian decent, however, differences in the cartilage and nasal shape have necessitated new techniques for nasal reshaping.

Some common complicating factors in the African and Asian noses are:

Thicker Skin

More Delicate Nasal Framework

Darker Skin

Each of these factors must be considered to ensure the best possible outcome from this procedure. Fortunately, Dr. Malhotra is highly trained in rhinoplasty. He takes details of what changes are possible with your nasal structure, what changes you would like to see, and then discusses what would fit your facial structure. Ethnic rhinoplasty procedures make it possible for people of all ethnic backgrounds to obtain a nose with the size and shape they desire while still maintaining the hallmarks of their ethnicity and individuality.

*Patient results may vary.

This 20 year old college student has been concerned about the appearance of his nose since he entered his teenage years. Additionally, he doesn’t breathe well through his nose. He feels like he doesn’t really know what having an open nasal passageway would be like because he has never breathed through his nose well. His consultation revealed that he wanted to reduce the hump on his nose, and felt like his nose is too wide for his face. His nasal examination demonstrated that he had a deviated septum and would need a septoplasty with his rhinoplasty surgery. He underwent a rhinoplasty procedure, and feels like he looks dramatically better. In fact, he jokingly noted his dating life has improved considerably.

How does the procedure work?

The first step before any type of cosmetic procedure is the evaluation process. Dr. Malhotra meets with each patient to assess their goals and possible outcomes for their nasal reshaping. Dr. Malhotra will make assessments of the all three parts of the nose, including the bridge, middle third, and tip.

Rhinoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. After making a small incision inside the nose, Dr. Malhotra gently raises the soft tissue covering the nose. Dark skin can be susceptible to visible incision marks, so special techniques are used to reduce the appearance of scarring in these patients. Through these incisions, the doctor can begin reshaping the nose and correcting any problems with the septum. Once the reshaping is complete, the tissues are re-draped and the incisions are closed. At this point, additional incisions may be made in the natural creases of the nostrils to adjust their size. The entire procedure typically takes between two and three hours.

About Recovery

After the procedure, the patient will have a cast placed on their nose. Dr. Malhotra does not use packing inside the nose. The length of time for recovery will vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Those seeking less drastic reshaping can expect a recovery period of five to seven days. In cases where more extensive work has been done, recovery typically takes seven to nine days. Dr. Malhotra may recommend some remedies to help ease swelling and discomfort during the recovery process, such as:

Ice or Cold Pack

Pain Medication

Elevating Your Head

While most patients return to work shortly after surgery, it may be two to three weeks before you can return to strenuous physical activity.

Why patients choose Dr. Malhotra

Dr. Malhotra is a double board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist, in addition to being a board-certified plastic surgeon. The motto of his practice is “beauty revealed,” a philosophy dedicated to uncovering the natural beauty within each and every patient. He has garnered a host of awards throughout his career, including being named a top rhinoplasty surgeon in Michigan by the Consumer Research Council of America in 2009-2013 and named a top cosmetic surgeon in Ann Arbor 2012 & 2013 by Best of Ann Arbor. Most importantly he specializes in two procedures, “nose job” surgery and breast surgery.

His background as an ear, nose, and throat specialist makes him an excellent choice for even the most difficult rhinoplasty candidate including revision rhinoplasty patients.